![master key for master locks master key for master locks](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0538/1482/1033/products/master-lock-1m-armoured-key-lock-383478_1600x.jpg)
For example, a standard 6 pin cylinder, which was designed to be operated by only one key, can be operated by up to 2 6 = 64 keys if there are two shear points in each chamber.
![master key for master locks master key for master locks](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/q44AAOSwPJFdpg9Y/s-l400.jpg)
The fact that some pin chambers have two shear points allows for more options when picking and it also allows for more keys to operate. Master keyed lock systems generally reduce overall security. A far more secure (and more expensive) system has two cylinders in each lock, one for the change key and one for the master key. For example, master keyed pin tumbler locks often have two shear points at each pin position, one for the change key and one for the master key. Locks that have master keys have a second set of the mechanism used to operate them that is identical to all of the others in the set of locks. These master-keyed locks are configured to operate with two, or more, different keys: one specific to each lock (the change key), which cannot operate any of the others in the set, and the master key, which operates all the locks in the set. Usually, there is nothing special about the key itself, but rather the locks into which it will fit. Master key turning a pin tumbler lock with two shear pointsĪ master key operates a set of several locks.